Newcastle 2 West Ham 2: Bellamy the star in city slickers audition

Honours even in the 'I wanna be a Manchester City player, get me out of here' contest and key roles for the three players who could be colleagues at Eastlands by the end of the month.

For Shay Given, it was another bewildering afternoon behind a back four who seem to enjoy making life as difficult as possible for themselves.

The keeper was unable to prevent the ignominy of allowing another City target, Craig Bellamy, to become the third former Newcastle player to score at St James' Park this season and was equally helpless when Carlton Cole hammered a brilliant shot past him.

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He did make outstanding saves to deny Mark Noble and Jack Collison which confirmed Newcastle's eight-figure valuation of their world-class goalkeeper, who is seeking an end to his personal Tyneside misery after 11 years.

Manchester City lead the chase for him and once the business of signing Bellamy and Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz is completed - and the future of Scott Parker confirmed by his current club - Mark Hughes is hoping to add the Republic of Ireland No 1 before the end of the month.

In fact, Bellamy is likely to be a City player by the end of today as Gianfranco Zola prepares to sacrifice the £15 million-rated Wales striker, who enjoyed his return trip to Tyneside.

Cole the goal: Carlton Cole gives West ham the lead at St James' Park

Bellamy was left completely unmarked when Parker provided him with the chance to cancel out Michael Owen's excellent opening goal.

Zola paid tribute to Bellamy, whose performance justified his luminous boots. 'He is a fantastic example of professionalism,' said the West Ham boss. 'As long as he scores goals like that he can wear whatever boots he wants, even purple ones.'

With the Upton Park board desperate to bring in funds and Zola producing a smart team who love to pass the ball, the battle to hold on to other key players will go on for several weeks.

The Italian is hoping the compromise will work, which is to release well-paid fringe players before the major stars like Parker, who was easily man of the match.

Zola said: 'It would be disappointing to break the team up. It is growing up and coming through difficult and bad times and it would be a pity to see this team not finish the championship together, but we are confident we can do that.'

The visitors took the lead just after half-time through Cole's left-footed screamer but young striker Andy Carroll, 20, buried Damien Duff's cross past Green to equalise with some aplomb.

The Gateshead-born beanpole with the braids has the silliest haircut seen at St James' Park since his hero Alan Shearer shaved off what little he had left. Carroll said: 'That was one of my all-time life dreams come true. I have dreamed about it since I was a little boy and it was the best feeling in the world and something I will cherish all my life.

Captains clash: Michael Owen and Lucas Neill

'I got some terrible stick for my hair and everyone was saying I should shave it off but after scoring I think it will have to stay.'

Joe Kinnear's assistant Chris Hughton added: 'The supporters love nothing more than a local lad coming through and we know he is a good player who is not frightened of the challenge.'

Kinnear again sent Hughton to talk to the media because he has not taken kindly to recent press reports, namely his incredulous claims that Owen will sign a new contract, Given is happy and Dennis Wise is not in charge of transfers and therefore most of the club.

The bad news is Kinnear might be back before the FA Cup replay with Hull on Wednesday.